Nelson to seek election as Sunset Police Chief

Police Officer Henry Nelson has announced his candidacy for chief of police in the Town of Sunset in this fall’s election.

Nelson said he knows Sunset well. He has worked on its police force 12 years.

“I have worked closely with other police personnel in the department as well as neighboring agencies to help fight the growth of crime and drug activity in our community,” Nelson said in his announcement.

“As an intended leader of the department, I plan to put into operation a program of continuous training for our police personnel to allow them to acquire new and innovative law enforcement techniques,” he said.

“I plan to be resourceful in organizing a team to research grants and implement funding to provide our officers with the equipment they need as well as new programs to assist all residents of the community,” Nelson said.

“I will use my past experiences in law enforcement to make the Town of Sunset attractive to new businesses, organizations and residents,” he added.

Nelson, a lifelong resident of Sunset, said he is active in many community activities.

These include distributing fans to seniors through an Entergy Community Grant, volunteering with the South St. Landry Community Library and membership in the Zion Travelers Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

The 1983 graduate of Sunset High School studied at Louisiana State University in Eunice.

He received his Peace Officers Standards and Training certificate in 2004 and graduated from the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Training Academy where he earned the Belsco award.

Since then, he has continued his law enforcement training. Nelson is certified in the use of radar, taser, police baton, handcuffs and firearms.

He belongs to the Magnolia Peace Officers Association and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Association.

He is the father of one daughter, Alyssa Thomas.

“I am asking for your vote on Nov. 4,” Nelson said. “If elected I will continue to fight crime and drug activity in our community so residents can live in an environment conductive to prosperity and growth.”